Objective: To analyze how political, corporate, or social influences affect media content in Bangladesh over time. This research could examine patterns of bias in major newspapers, television channels, and digital media outlets.
Key Research Questions:
What are the dominant political affiliations of major media outlets?
How do media outlets report on key issues like elections, corruption, and social justice?
Are there discrepancies between how different political parties or government actions are portrayed in media?
Outcome: A comprehensive report on media bias and recommendations for promoting more balanced and ethical reporting in Bangladesh.
Objective: To investigate the spread of fake news, disinformation, and misinformation across social media platforms during national or local elections in Bangladesh.
Key Research Questions:
What types of false information are most commonly shared during elections?
How do political parties or interest groups use social media to manipulate public opinion?
How does misinformation affect voter behavior and public trust in the electoral process?
Outcome: A strategy for combatting misinformation on social media, including policy recommendations for regulation and media literacy initiatives.
Objective: To assess the state of media literacy among Bangladeshi citizens, particularly in urban and rural areas, and to propose initiatives for improving critical thinking skills related to media consumption.
Key Research Questions:
What is the general level of media literacy among various demographic groups (e.g., age, education, urban vs. rural)?
What are the most common misconceptions or misinterpretations about news and media content?
What tools or training would be most effective in enhancing media literacy in Bangladesh?
Outcome: Development of educational programs and outreach campaigns to boost media literacy across all levels of society.
Objective: To explore how laws like the Digital Security Act have affected journalists, independent media outlets, and online platforms in terms of freedom of expression and self-censorship.
Key Research Questions:
How have journalists and media outlets been impacted by the Digital Security Act?
To what extent has the law been used to stifle independent or investigative journalism?
What is the balance between protecting citizens from digital harm and maintaining press freedom?
Outcome: Policy recommendations for ensuring that digital security laws protect both citizens and journalists, without infringing on media freedom.
Objective: To assess how women, minorities, and marginalized groups are represented in mainstream Bangladeshi media, with a particular focus on news outlets, television programs, and social media content.
Key Research Questions:
How are women and minorities portrayed in news stories and TV shows?
What barriers do female journalists face in the media industry?
How does media representation affect public attitudes towards gender equality and minority rights?
Outcome: A report analyzing gender bias in media representation and actionable strategies for improving inclusive and balanced coverage.
Objective: To examine the role and impact of alternative media sources (e.g., independent news blogs, social media influencers, podcasts) on public opinion in Bangladesh.
Key Research Questions:
How have alternative media platforms gained traction in Bangladesh’s digital space?
To what extent do they offer more diverse viewpoints compared to traditional media?
How do alternative media outlets influence political discourse and societal issues?
Outcome: A map of the alternative media landscape in Bangladesh and its influence on national politics and culture.
Objective: To study how laws, regulations, and government actions restrict media freedom in Bangladesh, and their implications for the public’s right to information.
Key Research Questions:
How do government-mandated censorship and regulations affect the reporting of sensitive issues (e.g., political corruption, human rights violations)?
What are the implications of legal constraints on the press, such as defamation laws, licensing restrictions, or content bans?
How do media outlets navigate these restrictions while maintaining journalistic integrity?
Outcome: Recommendations for reforms to support freedom of information while balancing national security and ethical standards.
Objective: To analyze the increasing influence of international media outlets on Bangladeshi public opinion, particularly in the context of globalization and the digital age.
Key Research Questions:
What role do international news organizations (e.g., BBC, Al Jazeera, Reuters) play in shaping Bangladesh's media narrative?
How do foreign media’s portrayals of Bangladesh differ from local media narratives?
What is the public’s trust level in foreign media versus local media?
Outcome: A detailed study of the influence of foreign media and suggestions for fostering a healthy balance between local and global perspectives.
Media Watch BD could undertake one or more of these research projects with the following steps:
Collaboration: Partner with universities, independent journalists, and NGOs to conduct surveys, field studies, and data analysis.
Funding: Seek grants from international organizations like UNESCO, Open Society Foundations, or local foundations focused on media development.
Awareness Campaigns: Use findings to drive public awareness campaigns, workshops, and policy advocacy on media literacy, press freedom, and ethics.
